"Our laboratory emphasizes the molecular design and synthesis of self-assembling polymeric systems for a range of electro-optical, electro-mechanical and biological applications. In cancer research, we focus on the generation of polymer-based films and nanoparticles for drug delivery. Nanoparticles have the potential to protect drugs in the blood stream during delivery so that they are not prematurely broken down or excreted. They increase solubility, accessibility and longevity so that a potent drug can more easily reach the tumor."

Dr. Hammond is the David H. Koch Professor in Engineering at MIT. She received her S.B. in Chemical Engineering from MIT in 1984, her M.S. from Georgia Tech in 1988, and earned her Ph.D. from MIT in 1993. In 1994, she was awarded the NSF Postdoctoral Fellowship in Chemistry while performing postdoctoral research in the Harvard University Chemistry Dept as a member of the Whitesides research group. In 2000, she was awarded the Junior Bose Faculty Award, and the GenCorp Signature University Award. She has also received the NSF Career Award, the EPA Early Career Award, the DuPont Young Faculty Award, and the 3M Innovation Fund Award. Recently, The Harvard Foundation presented Dr. Hammond the 2010 Scientist of the Year Award as part of its annual Albert Einstein Science Conference: Advancing Minorities and Women in Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. Also, Dr. Hammond was one of a group of key faculty members involved in starting the Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies.

Further Information

Research Summary

Prof. Hammond's research interests include:

macromolecular design and synthesis

directed assembly using surface templates

nanoscale design of biomaterials

block copolymers, asymmetric morphologies

liquid crystalline polymeric materials

There are two primary areas of research in the group. The first area involves the use of polymer-surface interactions as a guide to the assembly of single and multicomponent micron and submicron scale structures on a broad range of surfaces as a means of microfabrication. We have developed a new approach to patterning polymer thin films on a micron length scale using nonlithographic techniques that involve the manipulation of surface functionality and polymer adsorption technique. The basis of this approach is the use of secondary, or non-specific interactions, in combination with steric repulsion and electrostatic interactions, to chemically direct the deposition of molecules and larger scale materials systems onto chemically patterned surfaces. Applications range from electro-optical devices to biologically active functional surfaces and sensors.

The second area approaches nanoscale self-assembly through the design of functionalized block copolymers. Block copolymers, which consist of two or more covalently bound polymer segments of different chemical composition, are known for their ability to microphase separate and organize into mesophase structures on nanometer length scales in the bulk state, and at surfaces and interfaces, based on chemical differences between blocks. We have focused investigations on the role of molecular architecture on the nanoscale ordering of block copolymer morphology, particularly for copolymer systems with asymmetric (irregular or nonlinear) blocks. Systems of interest include liquid crystalline block copolymers for electro-mechanical and electro-optical applications, and dendritic-linear block copolymers as nano-encapsulants or hosts for delivery and membrane applications. In general, concepts of thermodynamics and self-assembly are used in my group to create or control order on the nanometer to micron scale.